MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont’s Republican Gov. Phil Scott said Friday that the alleged plot foiled by law enforcement to kidnap his Michigan counterpart, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, shows why everyone needs to find a way to heal the “deep divisions in our country.”
Scott began his regular press briefing Friday by saying that elected officials across the country, “but especially at the top, must realize that words matter.”
He said people need to be aware that violent groups exist and that rhetoric can lead to violence.
“We are reaching a boiling point in this country,” he said. “So it’s up to all of us to lower the temperature.”
On Thursday, authorities announced that they foiled a stunning plot to kidnap Whitmer in a scheme that involved months of planning. Whitmer has been praised for her response to the coronavirus but also sharply criticized by Republican lawmakers and people in conservative areas of the state.
During Scott’s regular press briefing, Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling said threats are regularly made against elected and appointed officials in Vermont, but he was unaware of any recent threats.
Scott praised the federal, state and local law enforcement officials who broke up the plot against Whitmer and law enforcement in general.
While Vermont police are aware of occasional threats, Scott said he was not personally afraid.
“But for my own safety I feel I am in good hands,” Scott said. “I have a great deal of respect for our law enforcement community and I feel very well protected.”
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